Constantine Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES
Hell wants him. Heaven won't take him. Earth needs him.
The wager between heaven and hell is on Earth
The story of irreverent supernatural detective John Constantine, who has literally been to Hell and back. When Constantine teams up with skeptical policewoman Angela Dodson to solve the mysterious suicide of her twin sister, their investigation takes them through the world of demons and angels that exists just beneath the landscape of contemporary Los Angeles. Caught in a catastrophic series of otherworldly events, the two become inextricably involved and seek to find their own peace at whatever cost.
| Keanu Reeves | John Constantine |
| Djimon Hounsou | Midnite |
| Max Baker | Beeman |
| Rachel Weisz | Angela Dodson/Isabel Dodson |
| Shia LaBeouf | Chas |
| Pruitt Taylor Vince | Father Hennessy |
| Gavin Rossdale | Balthazar |
| Tilda Swinton | Gabriel |
| Peter Stormare | Satan |
| Jesse Ramirez | Scavenger |
| José Zúñiga | Detective Weiss |
| Francis Guinan | Father Garret |
| Larry Cedar | Vermin Man |
| April Grace | Dr. Leslie Archer |
| Suzanne Whang | Mother |
| Francis Lawrence |
6.50 out of 10 (36603 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Quick flashes of CG wont hide this garbage
posted on 28 Aug 2009Constantine has to be the worst abuse of American cinema on a British comic I have ever seen. Nothing was kept true to the comic, and Keanu Reeves has about as much attitude and cockiness as a solid hunk of wood. John Constantine, in the comics, is a character who just reeks of attitude and is haunted by his past, and doesn't rely on macho fighting etc, and NONE of this is captured in the writing of his character. The casting and plot are both awful (well, at least the script flowed, which is why this didn't get a 1) but what is the deal with Rachel Weisz? She was so unnecessary, and Constantine, as they say in the comics, wouldn't give 2 tugs of a dead dogs c*** about her if you know what I mean. The only thing this really has going for it is some cool special effects, and good (although illogical writing) script flow. My opinion, they should have had Garth Ennis, Jamie Delano, Alan Moore, etc, ANYONE who actually had a hand in writing the comic to be involved with the script, and casted Ewan MacGregor as Constantine. Then you'd have an 8.5/10 for this movie, easily.
One of the best comic movies around (besides Sin City)
posted on 20 Aug 2009I decided to post this when I found a disturbingly large amount of poor ratings for this movie from IMDb users because the movie wasn't exactly like the Hellblazer comics that it's based on. I've just got one thing to say to that, get over it. This movie, based on it's own merits, is actually a very well crafted and though out movie (I've read a lot of complaints about Keanu Reaves' acting performance, but really I think he captures the tortured soul who knows he's heading to hell pretty well. The reason why so many people complained about this is because he doesn't act like the same John Constantine of the Hellblazer comics, again get over it.) There are some things about this movie that are a little weird, but one thing you do have to keep in mind is that this was not intended to be a horror film. It's an action film. Get it through your head and you'll enjoy this movie, the whole point of the movie was not to freak you out or give you nightmares. It's a fun movie, with plenty of good action sequences and a story that gripped me from the beginning.As soon as you're introduced to the character of John Constantine you already know that he's a bad mother who's intent is to foil the plans of the underworld so he can win his way into heaven. Along his way to get there he gets sucked into what could end up as the end of the world. There are many sequences in the movie that leave you wondering "what could this possibly have to do with the storyline?" but in the end it all ties together so perfectly that it's almost like a jigsaw puzzle coming to completion. (Some things about the movie you do have to think about to truly understand everything.) Not only that, but the dialog between characters is often humorous, but can be very serious when the movie needs it to be. For example the conversation that Constantine has with Gabriel at the beginning of the movie. At first you can't help but feel pity for Constantine, but then the conversation ends abruptly with a one-liner from Gabriel that would at least leave you chuckling.Overall this is a great movie (within it's own merits, and when not compared exactly to the Hellblazer comics) that no one should be deprived of missing. A great action flick that makes you think in order to truly understand everything that the movie presents.
Excellent movie for those who enjoy religious themes and cynical viewpoints
posted on 20 Aug 2009One of my very favorite movies, I have watched "Constantine" numerous times and still appreciate it. Perhaps I enjoy it so much because I was raised Catholic and attended Catholic school -- the movie contains many religious themes that any former Catholic will enjoy and relate to. Old-school Catholics may not like this movie at all but anyone who has questioned beliefs (which this movie does not do)and has questioned God's Will or asked "Why?" or "Why Me?" is really going to like this movie! As I said this movie does not question beliefs but builds on them in a very cool way. I'm not sure a non-catholic can appreciate this entire aspect of the film though.I am not a fan of Keneau Reeves at all, but I thought he did a very good job in this role, he was believable in the part except that he looked far too young and healthy for it. The acting in the movie was excellent and the actors (and actresses) were very well cast.Guys will love Rachel Weisz' wardrobe, indeed, all the wardrobe was excellently done, not something I usually care about or notice particularly but in this movie most viewers will agree.The only negative about this movie is the bathtub scene (seen in trailers). I would hate to see anyone try this one at home, although I'm sure some half-bakes are sure to do so eventually.
Worst movie I have seen in a long time.....
posted on 18 Aug 2009I am intrigued at the number of people who really enjoyed this film. I will admit that i THOROUGHLY enjoyed the special effects, they almost make the movie worth seeing.....almost.Unfortunately the movie's acting was horrendous. There were many moments where i was not alone laughing out loud in what was meant to be a dramatic or darkened scene. Again this is only my opinion but Keanue generally speaking is not known for his acting talent, and he does not do much in this film to discredit the view he is unlikely to win anything meaningful anytime soon for his abilities or lack thereof.The worst film i have seen in a long time.....
Letter to the producers of Constantine
posted on 18 Aug 2009Dear Producers of Constantine: I thought you would like to know that my husband and I went to see your movie last night at our local flea pit. The audience (including us) totaled four. For our local flea pit on a Saturday night, that's a great turnout (we were the only people in the audience for a Saturday night showing of Lost in Translation.) Anyway, I have to say that my husband fell asleep after the first half hour. And he's a CGI fan.Constantine isn't all bad. The CGI is very, very good (The Hell scene looked cheap on a "Constantine: The Movie" TV special we caught, but it was impressive on the semi big screen of the fleapit). The art direction is fabulous. The guy who played Satan was a knockout. His scene with him sparring on a chair while Keanu tries to light up came the closest to the comic. The costuming was like the script: everything was in black and white.If you're going to base a movie on a very cool ironic comic with a big fan base, why didn't you first of all stick to the comic? John Constantine Hellblazer the comic character kicks wacko demons' butts. Why did you give the green light to a script that featured a uber Catholic morality tale? (I heard Jamie Delano and Garth Ennis, both writers for Hellblazer the comic, took their names off the film. What happened to their treatment?) I knew the film was going to be a stinker when I heard Keanu was a playing an American John Constantine and the setting was Los Angeles. The location people did a great job in finding creepy buildings and streets to shoot, but Los Angeles? For Constantine? Having an American actor play a British character, given a good script, may not be such a disaster, but why put the character in a setting that doesn't evoke the comic at all? And why did you put an amoral sorcerer who smokes like a chimney in a plot complete with anti smoking propaganda? The most unbelievable part of the film was Constantine looking over the skyline at the end and popping gum in his mouth. The coda of him putting his lighter on the tombstone of his sidekick was even worse.I can't blame Keanu for turning in a blank performance because the writers gave him nothing to work with. Rachel Weise's performance was amazing given that she didn't have much to do in her part either except get wet and look scared a lot. The supporting characters were twitchy like the comic would have them but also too twitchy- maybe they just seem OTT compared to Keanu's vapidness. The best performance by far was the cat's. He had the best written part.I can see your wanting to promote Vertigo titles – Warner Brothers owns DC comics — but next time you make an adaptation, get a writer who has worked on the comics. Or at least knows the comics. And please don't try to add messages based on public service commercials.
If everyone hates Keanu so much, how come the movies hes in do so well?
posted on 16 Aug 2009If everyone hates Keanu so much, how come the movies hes in do so well at the box office? Every actor has their own style, creativity, and talent. And heres to all the people who complain about his role in Constantine, ask yourself this, could you have played the part better? Keanu has a very unique acting style, natural like,subtle humor, believable. He doesn't act like hes full of ****. Its hard to explain. He just really gets in character. So he may not be 100% like the John Constantine you all know of in the comics, but hes Hollywoods John Constantine, and how it was pulled off, NOT COMPARING TO THE COMIC, but as for a movie, was done really well. Its not so much about comparing, but more like change, taking the ideas and story, and making it more real-life, like Constantine is a real person. I defend this movie because I feel the director and Keanu worked real hard and did a great job. And people today are way too cocky and cant appreciate anything creative. I don't call it criticism, I call it people who expect to see a movie they have in their own mind, and it isn't, so they bash it. Just step back and take a look at the movie, the characters, the scenes, settings, lighting, special effects, ideas, colors, music, story, details (from the water jugs of holy water in his apartment all around the perimeter, to the hair of the scared guy turning gray and freaking out). Everything in the movie was well thought of for its own good. All together the movie is an full 10.
Constant...something or other.
posted on 16 Aug 2009Although I have a confession to make - I actually found this movie passably entertaining - I have to say that it does have its faults.The first is Keanu Reeves. The character he plays here is almost a carbon copy of Neo from the Matrix - even Robot Chicken makes fun of his acting range. There's almost no differentiation in his acting between the two movies. Whilst this may work for some actors - Arnie, John Wayne etc. - here it only serves to make him him appear, much like the comic this movie is based on, as two-dimensional. If you had to look at a list of Hollywood actors and pick an action-hero from them, Keanu is surely not going to be your first choice. He's more like an accountant than a hero.Despite his miscasting, the movie, thanks mainly to the effects and pacing, moves along quite well. Also, supporting parts do a lot to make this movie more enjoyable than it should be, with Rachel Weisz, Peter Stormare and Djmon Honsou all giving far better showings than poor old Keanu.The story is forgettable religious clap-trap involving heaven and hell. Apparently Hollywood can only think of Christianity when it comes to good and evil. What that says about Hollywood I don't know, but it's a theme that constantly resurfaces time and again. Suffice to say, ignore acting, plot and dialogue and the movie is enjoyable. Think too hard about any of it and the irritation will creep in.Summary: Switch of thine brain and go forth and observe this film. Thy will be done (out of a few quid, anyway).
Thank God for Video Stores
posted on 14 Aug 2009Having JUST discovered Hellblazer last month, and having JUST bought the first ten graphic novels and read them through on a rainy Georgia weekend, and having been delighted with the depth of characterization, plot, and black humor in the series...I was delighted to find out that the movie was coming out. Until I saw who played Constantine. I'll wait and rent it.Keanu Whosis might as well carry around a set of those "masks on sticks" the old Greeks used in the theater to indicate emotion. John Wayne only ever played one part: John Wayne. But he was funny and interesting and poignant and fearless. In contrast, Keanu plays a good solid piece of cardboard; if he ever gets a part on a cereal box, he's gonna be great. I think I'll wait until the movie is in the cheap part of the video store, not the new release section.
Great, a another bad Keanu Reeves film.
posted on 14 Aug 2009Horrible Keanu Reeves film that could be possibly his worse movie to date. Keanu should have never gotten this role and it only shows that the people who work in Hollywood are really stupid because the role calls for someone who can give a complicate performance, something Reeves can not pull off. He comes across as a phony and his performance is possibly his worse. The script does not help him at all with bad dialog that could crack the sound barrier and a story that makes no sense what so ever. Reeve's co star Rachel Weisz does more with her role than he does with his and steals the movie with a tight and strait forward performance that could have been a better lead for this movie than Keanu's character. I believed in her character's plight more than the believed in what was going on in the entire film and would have liked to know more about her as well. Too bad for her and the audience that the movie is more of a bore than a movie with substance and I would have like to have followed Weisz than Reeves in this movie .
I don't like violence!
posted on 12 Aug 2009I really think that this film is not so good:((.I didn't like it.I think it don't bring me good feelings: it scares me, and makes me think of stupid things... I am not sure that Hell looks exactly like that "place" is described in the movie.Hell is everything you don't like or support.I really don't think it's a place.It's a circle of scary feelings that make us less sure of ourselves.And it tortures us in that way and start feeling a real bad pain.I think like that, it could be different, who knows??But don't see the movie, it's nothing but a repulsive film, filled with bad scenes of violence.
Nice story but not at least scary
posted on 10 Aug 2009I guess I've just had the wrong expectations. Not knowing it's a comic adaption I expected a horror movie like the exorcist (which is fantastic, by the way) Actually "Constantine" is absolutely not scary, but I liked it nevertheless. The story is really great, especially if you like paranormal films like "stigmata" ecc. Another thing that makes this movie worth seeing is the soundtrack. It really adds a lot to the very dark mood of the film. You don't have to be a comic lover to follow the story and get what the movie is all about. Keanu Reeves (John Constantine) tried to do a great job but after doing the Matrix trilogy he'll be Neo forever. The other actors (i must confess the only one I knew was Keanu Reeves) are not that bad, but their acting is definitely not worth the Academy Award. To finish my comment: Constantine is a movie you like because of its nice and easy story, the great soundtrack and its special effects. It's not a film you really got to spend money on, but it's better watching "Constantine" than some f****** teen comedy.
What movie did YOU see?
posted on 08 Aug 2009It seems most of the people posting comments here saw a different movie than I did. Although, I suppose if they went in expecting a typical horror movie as produced over the last 25 years (an over-the-top gore/splatter-fest whose primary purpose is to showcase the dubious "talent" of the makeup and SFX techs, linked with a weak excuse for a "plot" and chock-full of equally gratuitous nudity and profanity that serve no purpose other than to distract viewers from noticing there is no real story), they would be obviously disappointed. The makeup and SFX in "Constantine" exist in total service to the story, and not vice versa."Constantine" is an intelligent, well-written, well-acted, fast-paced and visually stunning apocalyptic story, which also offers (as an added bonus to those with an attention span longer that that of a gnat) an exploration of metaphysics and Christian theology. The plot is coherent, though intricate, and it definitely helps if the viewer PAYS ATTENTION to what's going on.The film takes the rather standard plot of ... "Dark forces are gathering. Something Big and Bad is about to happen. It's up to Our Hero to figure it out and thwart the Villain's plans" ...and does interesting and unpredictable things en route to the resolution. Plot twists abound, the pace is quick, and dead spots (no pun intended) are virtually nonexistent. And the characterization of the Devil's chosen Earthly manifestation in the climactic scene was the scariest/creepiest portrayal I've ever seen. And my initial trepidation about Keanu in the title role was put to rest when I attended the preview panel at San Diego ComiCon last summer. I watched the montage of scenes and clips that were presented, and heard Keanu Reeves, co-star Djimon Honsou (Papa Midnight) and director Francis Lawrence give their views and insights into the characters and their motivations, and left feeling much more comfortable about their approach to the project. I'm pleased to report that the confidence in the success of their endeavor that I felt when I left the presentation proved justified when I attended the screening last week.If you're interested in a real 'thinking-person's" horror movie that's effective on multiple levels, look no further than "Constantine". But if you're just looking for the typical blood-and-guts flash without the bothersome sizzle of an actual story, keep on moving. There's nothing for YOU to see here.
Fun - Religion as Science Fiction
posted on 08 Aug 2009This is a really fun movie and I am amazed by the commentary I have read about it. I wonder if the writers have actually seen the movie or are really just interested in bashing Keanu Reeves. First of all, he is not a detective or a gumshoe, again, what movie were they watching? The movie is really a classic sci-fi story. You have 3 parallel universes occupying the same space, earth (where we are), heaven (where angels are and where good people go when they die), and hell (where demons are and where bad people go). There is a contest to see who can tip earth to their side, but they are only allowed influence by suggestion, not by direct action. Keanu is basically a referee. There are "half breeds," who can live on earth, but again, they are not allowed to interfere directly. If they do, the ref, Constantine, deports them in flashy cinematic fashion. Of course, this is a movie, so someone does interfere, and that is the conflict that drives the story. Keanu's performance is fine. He is an unhappy, alienated person with a really crappy job that no sane person would want, and which he has for reasons that you will discover by watching the movie. Of course, there is a girl, Rachel Weitsz, a cop, who gets drawn into the conflict and discovers the truth of the world. Their weird relationship, very underplayed, is quirky and interesting. Peter Stormare's turn as Lucifer is an absolute bizarre hoot. It occurs near the end and is integral to a great twist at the end. Again, the complaints about the end of the movie are lame and I doubt they watched the movie or conversely, had the brains to understand what was going on. Comparisons to the comic book are also nonsense. This is a movie. Movies are an art form with certain constraints. You can adapt material from other sources but you always get something different. The point here is that in this case, you have an entertaining movie, unless you happen to hate Keanu, in which case, your opinion is not really informative.
Reeves in a decent comic book turned movie.
posted on 08 Aug 2009I must admit that I am totally unfamiliar with the comic book that inspired this movie. However, I found it enjoyable in a Sci-Fi, supernatural way. Reeves plays Constantine with the same demeanor that he played Neo in "Matrix" after he figured out that his power was only limited by his imagination. Here, as John Constantine, he is the best fighter of evil spirits. When a priest is not successful exorcising an evil spirit, they call in John Constantine. He has no fear, he understands the evil spirits, because he was once among them.John Constantine had died briefly in a state of mortal sin which, according to Catholic theology, sends him straight to Hell. But he didn't stay dead, it was one of those near death experiences, but he still knew that he was eventually going to end up there, and he devoted the rest of his years to keeping the evil spirits away.Rachel Weisz plays Angela Dodson/Isabel Dodson, Djimon Hounsou plays Midnite, Pruitt Taylor Vince is good as Father Hennessy, and versatile Peter Stormare is Satan . I can't say that, when the movie was over, I understood everything. But the visuals are so good, it made the movie a worthwhile watch for me.My wife just thought it was a bit strange.
Don't believe the naysayers! This movie is AMAZING!
posted on 08 Aug 2009Fantastic visuals. Hilarious dark humor. Great Performances. What exactly is so bad about this movie? NOT A DAMN THING. I've read a lot of comments on here saying that the movie has tons of plot holes, or doesn't make any sense. There's a simple explanation for this: You people saying that DIDN'T GET IT. I never read the comic. I'm not defending the film for the hell of it(But judging from many of the carbon copy comments degrading it, I'd wager that many of you are hating on the film for the hell of it). I've seen it twice and everything in it makes sense just fine. Unfortunately, this film seems to be going over the heads of a lot of viewers, as it does require you to pay attention. Shame, eh? Many themes or story developements are done visually or minimally, or both. Lines whispered or grumbled are often important plot points or hilarious punch lines. It's a film that, upon multiple viewings, I find myself enjoying more as well as noticing more. From what I can gather the title character does differ from his comic counterpart quite a bit- but that's just too bad. They have crafted a fine story and character, and seeing as how it's an ADAPTATION that is alright by me. Keanu Reeves does it well enough, I'm probably not a very good judge of "Talent" as I generally enjoy Reeves' films, as well as the likes of Ben Affleck. Then again, I doubt too many of you could judge a good performance if it bit you in the ass- or unless there weren't already 100 other reviews saying "Rachel Weisz is great but the movie sucks." For the character needed, Reeves nails it. The absolute scene stealer is Peter Stormare as Satan.... his turn at the end is magnificent. A fine example of the humor in the film is when Satan playfully hangs a lighter in front of a damned soul trying to light a cigarette. The person can't light it on their own because of their slit wrists. Satan tells the suicide, "You cut the tendons too deep. Finger movement goes right out the window." He waves it back and forth for a few seconds before grinning and lighting it for the soul. Hilariously dark stuff. The film defies a single genre, excelling in all areas. Don't believe the herd of negative sheep slandering this movie with unfounded comments like "it makes no sense." See it for yourself, judge it for yourself. You will be dazzled, in every way.
Where's the respect for the book?!
posted on 06 Aug 2009As usual here's another comic book movie made with absolutely no respect for the creators who thought it all up. Granted Hellblazer isn't the most popular of comic books not garnering the kind of fan-base as Batman, Spiderman, or the Punisher and as a result hasn't instilled any real disgust toward the film. But really, how would you feel as an artist to see your creation butchered by someone else in such a way? Don't believe me. The creators of the book fought hard to have their names removed from the film. Sound like someone who's happy with the representation of their work? Not at all. Constantine is an over blown action flick without the intelligence and depth of the actual book.When are we going to stop putting up with such crap that has such disdain for the original material like the Punisher movies, Constantine, Spawn, Catwoman, and the last few Joel Schumacher Batman disasters before we actually stop going to see these movies? Am I crazy or aren't movies like Spiderman and Hellboy better films because they respect the original material and their creators. After all, their has to be a reason they're making a movie after the comic book. The original had to be good enough for them to want to make the movie. And it's usually because of the writing and the detail the creators pour into their creations.I never saw Constantine in the theatre. Instead I saw a bootlegged copy my friend got to compare to the book. I didn't even want to watch it with him except he talked me into it. I couldn't in good conscious, and with respect to it's creators, line the pockets of people who would butcher someone else's work so easily and without regard.I of course will be first in line to see Sin City when it comes out. Frank Miller himself was in charge and the comic used as story boards. I bet my life it'll be much better, make more money, and garner better reviews than Constantine will on it's best day. It's about time a comic book movie was made right. Hopefully it'll be contagious.
Roll over Neo! Constantine smokes out Evil and flips a bird at it!
posted on 04 Aug 2009I don't know what's the critics' problems are, maybe they recall "St. Augustine In Hell" from Sting and realise from David Foxx' monologue/soliloquy that critics are part of Hades' heavy diet, but for me this movie rocks as much as the first Matrix and the 1st half of the 2nd Matrix (the rest stunk plot-wise, but that's another story)! This was a great way for Keanu to break away from the encoding of that technobabbble, something far more organic yet just as philosophic...Can you really blame the character of becoming a lung cancer victim before he reaches 40? After seeing all of the demons that he has? They say the cleft on your top lip is an angel's finger-imprint to remind you not to let on what you were taught in Heaven before you came to Earth, but while John may have that cleft they forgot to repress his knowledge and it nearly drove him insane - in fact, his parents thought he was and he nearly lost his life for it.This movie is heavily Catholic, so those who get offended by that kind of dogma, run, OK? On the other hand, if you are Catholic this flick may offend you, too, it requires some real open-mindedness! For me, Rachel Weisz is highly over-rated, she lacked the oomph of sexual tension that was supposedly implied with Keanu/Constantine - she did a better job in "Runaway Jury" and the "Mummy" series - what she did show is that she can be a great replacement for the current actress handling Witchblade...Keanu as the tortured exorcist is excellent (I understand the original character was British, so what? Sometimes ignorance is bliss! I know the original Blade in "Tomb Of Dracula" comics and the upgrade in film is WAY better) and his dismissive attitude to demons even under attack is astounding yet hilarious - the usual reaction to any Garth Ennis endeavor! Garth created "Hitman," "Preacher," among others in the comics and their content usually makes demons blush, and if he's handling the translation of his character from book to screen then step back and give him some slack! Djimon Hounsou as Papa Midnite was good too but under-utilised and i hope he's exploited more if sequels are in the offing, as there should be! I liked how Hell is ruled by "Lou" who looks like a Sopranos-reject, but the classic part and essential Garth Ennis was when Constantine was floating to heaven and he gave Lucifer the finger! I would watch the movie over and over just to savour the irony of that part of the picture, LMAO/ROTF This picture is also a great way to scare people into stop smoking, I say it's a great picture all around and get out and see for yourself today! http://www.tinyurl.com/3464k/
Something a bit different!
posted on 04 Aug 2009I went to see Constantine with a few friends last night. None of us knew the storyline, or anything about the film, except that it was about heaven and hell.We all found this film to be surprisingly good and a bit of a change to the over-hyped 'hollywood blockbusters' (half of which are rubbish) that we had been seeing lately. None of us could predict what was coming next (although you had a feeling as to what the result of the film would be). You do have to listen to it, otherwise you will miss the odd few lines which explain the film! However, the effects and storyline were good.It was certainly a damn sight better than the last film we saw at the cinema (Elektra!!).
Not a film for fans of the funny book...
posted on 31 Jul 2009...and not for film-goers that don't want to think.People who read a funny book, who see a movie based on or inspired on it and who don't see the same thing and bitch about that fact just don't get it. Different media need different approaches. Their lack of vision blinds them, for instance, to the fact that this film that this film is well acted, with nice special effects and that it--unlike many other efforts--actually spent a few bucks on the screenplay. I just wish that they hadn't tried to stuff so much stuff into a single film; it could have easily been stretched out or even divided into a couple films. The music was nicely done, and the film well captured the spirit of the original.Nope, it's not a classic, not the best film I've ever seen and not the worst. It was a decent entertainment that made me think for two hours that I had been dumped into a Vertigo comic book.
Confusing mess. See it for the theological questions it raises.
posted on 30 Aug 2009By the end of the movie, I was thoroughly confused and I don't want anyone to bother to unconfuse me, especially fans of the graphic novels it was based on. I have no problem with a movie that has twists, scenes and dialogues that you have to pay close attention to. I have no problem with a movie that makes you think but this one merely gave me a headache. And not to mention Mr. Reeves' acting that reminded me about what a critic said about another actor's performance: "So wooden, you can dust it off with Pledge." Most of his lines were delivered like he took a sip of water between words. He delivered his lines like the kid you have to suffer through in first grade when the teacher asks the class to each read a passage out loud. And isn't this the second movie that Shia LeBouf plays the wisecracking, annoying sidekick who wants a piece of the action? The only performances worth noting are Gabrielle/Gabriel played androgynous and Angela because she's performed well in better movies. The only time Reeves' deadpan delivery worked are for the few one-line zingers. Not to mention that is the second movie I've seen where I didn't agree with the MPAA rating. I usually don't watch R-rated horror/thriller movies because the violence is usually over-the-top. The House of Flying Daggers portrayed blood spurting, and people getting sliced and stabbed yet it got a PG-13 but the violence in this movie was no worse than "Something Wicked This Way Comes" or the first "Indiana Jones". And I'm kind of tired of the dark side character- Midnight- being cast as a dark actor- played by an African actor ala Judas in "Jesus Christ Superstar", Pam Grier in "Something Wicked..." and even Darth Vader wearing a dark outfit and voiced by black actor, James Earl Jones but the supposed Savior of the world is a white actor in Reeves' second role of the type after playing Neo (an amalgram of "One") in the Matrix (pretty much employing the same acting style).I really watched this movie for the theological questions it raises. Where do suicide "victims" go after they die? Are demons and angels amongst us or are they safely in their domains letting only their half human spawn live amongst us? Have we misdiagnosed some mentally ill people who instead of being crazy are merely able to see the spirit world? Are some of the evil or helpful people in the world really half-demon or half-angels? Can you bargain for your soul's outcome? Are God and Satan like Yin and Yang, two equal superpowers? And does this movie answer those questions? No. It merely raises them. For a movie with a similar theme, albeit less gruesome, see, "What Dreams May Come." with Robin Williams and Annabella Sciorra in a role that finally does something with her fragility/vulnerability. What did intrigue me is that film is unabashedly dependent on Catholic beliefs and delves into areas of theology that Protestantism doesn't even address. Would love to ask the typical Baptist or COGIC preacher what he thinks about the above questions.